Determining the best base layer for your long underwear may prove to be a hectic process due to the variety of materials available at your disposal. The primary considerations before choosing a suitable material for your long underwear are:
Fabric is a critical component in the choice of long underwear. You may desire some comfort that a particular material offers, but the product in question doesn’t possess all the necessary qualities that you need. Therefore, it is vital to make an informed decision on the choice of the material.
When it comes to matters of warmth, it all comes down to light, mid or heavyweight underwear. This in turn defines the delivery of different degrees of heat as per the weight of the thermal wear you choose.
‘Do I want the long underwear to be of a tight fit?’ This is a question that most people ask themselves before or while making a base layer purchase. Remember, a fabric that wipes away sweat has to be in contact with the skin, so it has to be of a bit tight fit. But also, in some cases, better air circulation is critical for the skin. All these factors have to be considered before making a purchase.
Long underwear comes in a variety of shapes. The best shape is one that perfectly fits your body because, in extreme cold climatic regions, baggy underwear will not retain a lot of heat, thus defeating its purpose.
Silk Long Underwear vs. Wool
Silk long underwear
Long underwear made of silk is known for its moisture-absorbing properties and also offers warmth. Silk provides a perfect solution for a medium-cold climate because it does not give a lot of heat as wool would. It is also made up of natural materials.
Pros
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Odor control: silk has some tolerance for stickiness because it inhibits the build-up of odor-causing bacteria. This property can go a long way in ensuring that you do not have body odor for a while if you skip washes.
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Moderate wicking: Silk can help keep you dry because they absorb sweat moderately without getting wet.
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Not bulky: Silk is a lightweight material that can be worn under other garments. This property is great because you will not feel any ‘heaviness’ even when wearing long silk underwear under other clothes.
Cons
- Expensive
- Need a lot of washing
Wool long underwear
Wool is considered to be the best material for a thermal base layer. With its ultra fine fibers, it can help retain a lot of the already generated body heat, keeping you warm.
Pros
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Wicks perfectly: Wool is an absorbent material and wicks sweat well. Moisture is retained by the wool, keeping you dry.
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Durable: When used as a standalone, wool will have a moderate life, but wearing it under other layers will maintain its integrity for a long time.
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Odor-free: Wool is highly resistant to odor-causing bacteria guaranteeing you an odorless day ahead.
Cons
Wool takes longer to dry. Wool is a good absorbent, but that also has its perks. So, on absorbing a lot of sweat and liquids that come its way, it will take a while to dry it.
